Volvo Plug-in Hybrid by 2012 – confirmed

Volvo has confirmed they will bring a plug-in Hybrid to the market by 2012, offering 150 mpg and 50g/km CO2.

Back in June we reported that Volvo were working on a plug-in hybrid that they wanted to bring to market by 2012. To be honest, we were a little disparaging about their plans as we felt they were offering to bring something to market that was relying on the necessary technology becoming available in time. But it looks like Volvo has decided the tech is there – or will be – as they’ve confirmed this morning that the plug-in hybrid plans are on track for 2012.

To be honest, there’s not much new detail to offer over and above that we reported on in June. The plug-in Volvo (Volvo hasn’t said which model it will be) will have the ability to drive up to 30 miles on electric power only (five hours charge time). That will deliver zero emissions (at the point of use). Once the stored power is used a diesel engine will kick in to deliver a range comparable to a conventional diesel car – around 750 miles. Overall CO2 figures are reckoned to be around 50g/km and economy – overall – of near on 150mpg.

Volvo are at pains to tell us that the plug-in will be as enjoyable to drive as any other Volvo, and will deliver a perfectly normal driving experience. But they do touch on our original report’s scepticism by saying that the plug-in will cost more than a conventional diesel because of the cost of battery production. But Volvo say this will be off-set by the much lower cost of electricity compared to diesel. Until Governments slap on a ‘Car-Electricty’ tax (you know they will).

Volvo also admits that “plug-in hybrids will be commercially viable for certain customer categories in 2012, gradually widening in appeal as battery price and performance continuously improve”. Which is basically what we said before.

Still – as we also said before – they’re certainly trying hard.